The recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) report declaring hypertension a "neglected disease" in need of attention reminded us that while hypertension is the single most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, accounting for more than 40% of cardiovascular deaths in the United States, the death rate from hypertension-related diseases increased 25% in the decade between 1995 and 2005. Implementation of strategies to reverse these devastating consequences of hypertension will require engagement of multiple entities, including governmental agencies, the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the medical community, and a significant change in behavior of the US population. Members of the American Society of Hypertension (ASH) have both the opportunity and challenge to assume a leadership role in this process at the local, state, and national levels.
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